DEEP: Lifetime State Park Passes Available for Veterans with Service-connected Disabilities

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that lifetime state park passes are available free of charge to state residents who are military Veterans with a service connected disability. The passes are available at DEEP Headquarters in Hartford and at various DEEP Park and field offices.

To obtain a pass, Veterans need to provide a photocopy of their current Connecticut drivers license or other legal proof of residency, and a copy of their Veterans Administration (VA) Card or VA benefits letter indicating the service connected disability.

“These free, lifetime passes are an excellent way for us to show our appreciation to Connecticut’s residents and their families who have served our country,” said DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette. “Connecticut’s state parks and forests offer excellent recreation opportunities for the whole family and we are pleased to be able to provide free access to our disabled Veterans so that they and their families can enjoy them fully.”

“These passes offer a wonderful opportunity for our disabled veterans to experience the richness and healing qualities of nature and the beauty or our great State,” said Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Dr. Linda S. Schwartz. “This program is a great gift for the men and women who sacrificed so much for our Country.”

The passes can be used to waive parking fees at all of Connecticut’s state parks where a fee is charged. The card is issued to an individual veteran and can only be used if it is presented by the pass holder. It is non transferable to another person.

To enter an area with a parking fee, the holder of the pass will simply present the pass to the gate attendant. Access will be permitted for the vehicle and all passengers. The pass holder does not have to be the driver of the vehicle. The Disabled Veteran Pass is not valid for camping or special events having separate admission charges and may not be used for commercial purpose.

When visiting Gillette Castle, Dinosaur and Fort Trumbull State Parks or to fish at the Quinebaug Valley Hatchery, free admittance is provided only for the Disabled Veteran Pass holder. All other visitors will be required to pay the appropriate fee.

Disabled Veterans Passes can be obtained at the following locations (Proof of residency and service connected disability status required):